Sending Letters of Interest To Schools That Encourage Them (post-interview)

[TibiaOrNotTibia]

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So, a couple of schools I interviewed at heavily emphasized continuous communication, including update letters, letters of interest, and letters of intent. My question is, if I interviewed and don't have any significant updates to give them (at least any that would not make an adcom member roll their eyes), is it still worthwhile sending a letter of interest before they make decisions? Further, would such a letter essentially look like a different version of a "why us?" secondary essay?

 

[CDaFutureDocMan]

When the time comes around for me to send a letter of intent to the school I adore (hopefully won’t need to but we’ll see) I plan on using the space that would usually be an update to just explain the reflection I’ve had about why they are my favorite school. Then I’ll take that time to say I’ve continued doing certain activities that only further motivate me and excite me about their program specifically. I think as long as you’re honest and display enthusiasm you’re golden.

 

[TibiaOrNotTibia]

When the time comes around for me to send a letter of intent to the school I adore (hopefully won’t need to but we’ll see) I plan on using the space that would usually be an update to just explain the reflection I’ve had about why they are my favorite school. Then I’ll take that time to say I’ve continued doing certain activities that only further motivate me and excite me about their program specifically. I think as long as you’re honest and display enthusiasm you’re golden.

That makes sense and is the route I would likely take as well for intent. But what about a letter of interest? Some of these schools said they accept letters of interest after interviews and before decisions, but only accept letters of intent if you are waitlisted.

 

[CDaFutureDocMan]

That makes sense and is the route I would likely take as well for intent. But what about a letter of interest? Some of these schools said they accept letters of interest after interviews and before decisions, but only accept letters of intent if you are waitlisted.

I haven’t had any schools tell me they specifically want continued interest letters, but I’d assume it’s just a mini love letter (rehashing your why us and explaining how the cycle has been going). If you don’t have any significant updates I probably would just ignore that part. I think there are some decent guides online for formatting those.

 

[GoSpursGo]

So if you read SDN a lot, you'll see that the consensus is that letters of interest are essentially meaningless. The specific exception is if a school communicates on their end that they're needy and that they want to hear from you. If that's the case, then you should give them what they're asking for.

I'd still make the messages short and to the point and focus on the top 1-2 things you want to communicate to them. If you want to send a letter of INTENT and you actually would choose one school over all others, then feel free to make that known.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I commiserate with the level of anxiety that comes from admissions teams heavily encouraging applicants to send follow-ups. I know you can't help but wonder...

You must maintain a professional persona in any follow-ups. Use real words, sentences, and punctuation, not shorthand abbreviations or (too many) emojis. Learn how to maintain a (professional) relationship to demonstrate mutual interests and mission alignment.

That said, in the era of AI, I posit the value of what you say will have much less value unless you pierce the wall of being too casual to be professional.

 

[engenir]

So if you read SDN a lot, you'll see that the consensus is that letters of interest are essentially meaningless. The specific exception is if a school communicates on their end that they're needy and that they want to hear from you. If that's the case, then you should give them what they're asking for.

I'd still make the messages short and to the point and focus on the top 1-2 things you want to communicate to them. If you want to send a letter of INTENT and you actually would choose one school over all others, then feel free to make that known.

Could you share what's key to express in the letter of intent besides "This is my top choice school because of X,Y,Z"?

 

[TibiaOrNotTibia]

I commiserate with the level of anxiety that comes from admissions teams heavily encouraging applicants to send follow-ups. I know you can't help but wonder...

You must maintain a professional persona in any follow-ups. Use real words, sentences, and punctuation, not shorthand abbreviations or (too many) emojis. Learn how to maintain a (professional) relationship to demonstrate mutual interests and mission alignment.

That said, in the era of AI, I posit the value of what you say will have much less value unless you pierce the wall of being too casual to be professional.

I in fact did wonder if it was a trap... Especially because basically all schools say "we want to keep updated with you" but would throw out your app if you made them read a pointless essay of "interest."

 

[LizzyM]

Some schools want to maximize their "yield" which is the proportion of offers of admission that result in enrollment/ matriculation. So, if you have already decided that school B, with its generous scholarship is better than anything (even a full ride) that you might get from school A, then you'd not be sending a letter of interest to school A and school A might not make you an offer given that they are making offers to those who "show interest". It is less work for you, too, as you don't have to do anything if an offer is never tendered.

If you are (still) interested, letting the school know provides them with information they may use in admission decisions.

 

[TibiaOrNotTibia]

Some schools want to maximize their "yield" which is the proportion of offers of admission that result in enrollment/ matriculation. So, if you have already decided that school B, with its generous scholarship is better than anything (even a full ride) that you might get from school A, then you'd not be sending a letter of interest to school A and school A might not make you an offer given that they are making offers to those who "show interest". It is less work for you, too, as you don't have to do anything if an offer is never tendered.

If you are (still) interested, letting the school know provides them with information they may use in admission decisions.

That does make sense. If a school is adamant about the fact that they "want people who want them" (I believe that was an exact quote actually), should such communication on the applicant's behalf take place ~1 month before they make some of their decisions? Or should it be closer in proximity to the interview itself

 

[GoSpursGo]

Could you share what's key to express in the letter of intent besides "This is my top choice school because of X,Y,Z"?

That's most of it. Honestly I recommend against people waxing on for pages at a time. Get your point across succinctly

 

[LizzyM]

A letter of interest goes in your file. It is viewable now and whenever it becomes relevant whether that is tomorrow or three months from now.

 

[TibiaOrNotTibia]

A letter of interest goes in your file. It is viewable now and whenever it becomes relevant whether that is tomorrow or three months from now.

Thank you!

 

[TwoDogMed]

Letter of interest is not as effective as LO-intent sent towards the end of the cycle. I was WL at my #1 school (OOS) and accepted to several other far away schools. Sent an intent letter to my #1 towards the end of the cycle emphasizing why they are my #1 and that I will decline my acceptance to a very well regarded far away school that has an upcoming CTE date. I know the LOI worked because the dean wrote a very brief email thanking me for the LOI, which I heard he doesn't typically do this. Got the A two days after his email. Write one sincere/convincing/compelling letter of intent to your #1 towards the end of the cycle is what I would recommend. GL.